Uta Roentgen

Recommending assistive technology (AT) for children with multiple disabilities: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of models and instruments for AT professionals

PURPOSE: To review the AT specific assessment models and instruments that have been developed for children with multiple disabilities in order to provide an overview of the strategies to be employed in interdisciplinary rehabilitation. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted utilizing the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC and ISI databases covering the period January 1990–September 2011. In addition, 4 conference proceedings, 35 journals and various web resources were hand searched. Papers were reviewed in three steps by three independent investigators according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The search resulted in the finding of 25 papers. Only one model for structuring the AT assessment process and four instruments developed to support decisions about AT solutions for children with multiple disabilities were found. The validity and reliability of the models and instruments found are not documented in the literature reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: We argue that there is a need to develop validated models and instruments to guide AT professionals in the process of AT assessment for children with multiple disabilities.

Satisfaction of users with assistive technology service delivery: An exploratory analysis of experiences of parents of children with physical and multiple disabilities

Abstract Objective: To describe experience of assistive technology service delivery (ATSD) by parents of children with physical or multiple disabilities (aged 3–18 years). Method: Forty-seven of 115 parents participated in a postal survey assessing satisfaction with the ATSD process, employing the QUEST 2.0 and the KWAZO scales. Six of these participated in two focus groups. Descriptive statistics were used for satisfaction scores. The focus group transcripts were coded and combined with survey results by two independent researchers. Results: Low satisfaction scores were reported for follow-up, AT delivery, maintenance services, access to services, coordination, and efficiency of ATSD. Several barriers to and facilitators of ATSD were mentioned and solutions to improve ATSD quality were identified. Conclusion: Evaluation of parents’ service experience is central for identifying shortcomings in ATSD. Health professionals are advised to utilize validated instruments and strategies to assess effectiveness of technological interventions and to assure ATSD quality.

Implementing a routine outcome assessment procedure to evaluate the quality of assistive technology service delivery for children with physical or multiple disabilities: Perceived effectiveness, social cost, and user satisfaction

ABSTRACT There is a lack of evidence on the effects and quality of assistive technology service delivery (ATSD). This study presents a quasi-experimental 3-months follow-up using a pre-test/post-test design aimed at evaluating outcomes of assistive technology (AT) interventions targeting children with physical and multiple disabilities. A secondary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the follow-up assessment adopted in this study with a view to implement the procedure in routine clinical practice. Forty-five children aged 3–17 years were included. Parents were asked to complete the Individual Prioritised Problem Assessment (IPPA) for AT effectiveness; KWAZO (Kwaliteit van Zorg [Quality of Care]) and Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) 2.0 for satisfaction with ATSD; Siva Cost Analysis Instrument (SCAI) for estimating the social cost of AT interventions. At follow-up, 25 children used the AT recommended. IPPA effect sizes ranged from 1.4 to 0.7, showing a large effect of AT interventions. Overall, parents were satisfied with ATSD, but Maintenance, Professional Services, and AT Delivery were rated not satisfactory. SCAI showed more resources spent for AT intervention compared to human assistance without technological supports. AT may be an effective intervention for children with disabilities. Issues concerning responsiveness and feasibility of the IPPA and the SCAI instruments are discussed with a view to inform routine clinical practice.

Knowledge productivity for sustainable innovation: social capital as HRD target

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of a conceptual model on relations between organisational innovation, knowledge productivity and social capital. It explores processes of knowledge productivity for sustainable innovation and associated HRD implications in knowledge intensive organisations, taking the perspective that social capital is a key influencing condition. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative case-study concerned a large-scale innovation project between knowledge-intensive organisations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants from six innovation groups as well as with the project management. Findings – Findings showed that four dimensions of social capital influence knowledge productivity, each requiring a minimum quality to create a rich innovation environment for sustainable results. The relational and cognitive dimensions seem most important, while the action dimension makes them productive. Knowledge productivity appears twofold, i...

Development of a Team-Based Method for Assuring the Quality of Assistive Technology Documentation

Good practice in assistive technology (AT) service delivery targeting children with disabilities has come increasingly to include providing AT stakeholders with a final text record that documents the rationale and procedures behind the recommendations made during the AT assessment process (AT documentation). In the present case study of one AT service provider, we developed a team-based approach for conducting an evaluation of the quality of the AT documentation. A service-specific scale for the evaluation of AT documentation was developed following a five-step approach. The scale was employed to review AT documentation utilizing specific review criteria in order to evaluate the quality of AT documentation practices with regard to the service investigated. Two independent reviewers examined the AT documentation for 130 cases of AT service provision. Weighted kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were employed as a measure of inter-rater agreement. The results of the documentation evaluation allowed AT professionals to objectively assess the quality of the AT documentation produced by the service under investigation, identify shortcomings in the documentation process, and make related corrections. AT services may benefit from the employment of strategic approaches for the evaluation of service provision. Possible applications to other AT service providers are discussed.

Who said dialogue conversations are easy? The communication between communication vulnerable people and health-care professionals: A qualitative study

To gain insight into how communication vulnerable people and health‐care professionals experience the communication in dialogue conversations, and how they adjust their conversation using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or other communication strategies.

Assistive technology provision: towards an international framework for assuring availability and accessibility of affordable high-quality assistive technology

Abstract Purpose: This is a position paper describing the elements of an international framework for assistive technology provision that could guide the development of policies, systems and service delivery procedures across the world. It describes general requirements, quality criteria and possible approaches that may help to enhance the accessibility of affordable and high quality assistive technology solutions. Materials and methods: The paper is based on the experience of the authors, an analysis of the existing literature and the inputs from many colleagues in the field of assistive technology provision. It includes the results of discussions of an earlier version of the paper during an international conference on the topic in August 2017. Results and conclusion: The paper ends with the recommendation to develop an international standard for assistive technology provision. Such a standard can have a major impact on the accessibility of AT for people with disabilities. The paper outlines some the key elements to be included in a standard. Implications for Rehabilitation Assistive technology is a key element in rehabilitation, but many people have no access to affordable AT solutions. The recommendations in the paper aim to inform policies, systems and service delivery procedures on how to improve access to AT across the world.